Princess Qing Yue lay on her chaise, her health finally returning after days of illness. The soft sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains of her chamber, casting gentle shadows on the ornate silks and tapestries that adorned her room. But despite the tranquil atmosphere, her mind was anything but peaceful. The days spent in bed had only fanned the flames of her jealousy towards Li Mei.
As her maid gently adjusted her pillows, Qing Yue stared coldly out of the window, her thoughts swirling with resentment. "That Li Mei," she muttered under her breath. "She thinks she can charm her way into noble society with her commoner blood. She doesn't belong here."
The maid, used to the princess's sharp tongue, remained silent, knowing better than to interrupt her mistress when she was plotting.
Princess Qing Yue had never forgotten how Li Mei's beauty had once stolen the attention of so many at the palace, including Wei Ming's. It had been infuriating. And now, with that ridiculous party at the tea house, it was clear to Qing Yue that Li Mei's influence was growing.
But not for long.
Sitting up straighter, Qing Yue fixed her maid with a determined gaze. "I want to send an invitation to Wei Ming," she said coolly. "Let him know that I'm hosting a small gathering in a few days. Nothing too formal. Just a chance for him to appreciate some real talents." A smirk played on her lips as she thought of the skills she excelled in: painting, embroidery, dancing. "I'll remind him of the difference between a true lady of the court and a… pretender."
The maid bowed and hurried to deliver the message, leaving Qing Yue alone with her thoughts.
The upcoming royal banquet provided the perfect stage. She had already heard whispers that Li Mei would be attending, and that was exactly what Qing Yue wanted. The banquet was a place where ladies showcased their talents, and everyone knew Li Mei's only skill was cooking. A talent that Qing Yue considered beneath nobility.
Qing Yue's smirk grew into a full smile as she envisioned the humiliation. "Cooking," she scoffed aloud, her voice dripping with contempt. "No matter how skilled she is, it's still the work of servants. What can she offer in front of the emperor's court? She's going to embarrass herself."
Her fingers played idly with the delicate tassels on her robe as she continued to plot. "I'll make sure of it. She'll be so out of her depth, she won't know what hit her."
The thought of Li Mei fumbling through a performance of embroidery or struggling with the qin sent a wave of satisfaction through her. Li Mei would finally be put in her place, and Wei Ming would realize just how unsuitable she was. Qing Yue's heart fluttered at the thought of him watching Li Mei's disgrace and turning to her instead.
The plan was set. Qing Yue would let Li Mei attend the royal banquet, knowing full well she was bound to fail. All she had to do was wait for the moment when Li Mei's fragile reputation would crumble.
"And once she's humiliated before the entire court," Qing Yue murmured to herself, a wicked gleam in her eye, "she will have no place in this world of nobility. No matter how much a pheasant tries to soar, it can never become a phoenix."
Satisfied with her scheme, Qing Yue reclined once more, feeling a renewed sense of control. Soon, Li Mei would be nothing but a memory, and Qing Yue would stand victorious, with Wei Ming by her side.
Princess Qing Yue's sharp eyes flicked over to her maid as she entered the room, and without missing a beat, she gestured for her to come closer. The maid moved swiftly, her face a mask of calm. She had done this many times before, and failure wasn't an option—not unless she wanted to bring misfortune upon herself and her family.
The princess leaned forward, her voice smooth and quiet. "There's something I need you to do. You know what happens if this doesn't go as planned."
The maid, unflinching, nodded once, her face showing no sign of fear or hesitation. This was the nature of her work. The stakes were always high, and one wrong step could lead to disaster for her and her loved ones. It was the price of serving someone like Princess Qing Yue.
She bent down, leaning closer as the princess whispered instructions into her ear. The words were sharp, like daggers, but the maid took them in without question, her mind already calculating how to execute the plan without a hitch.
When the princess finished, the maid straightened and gave a small, obedient bow. Her expression remained neutral, as though she had heard nothing out of the ordinary. Without uttering a word, she turned and left the room, her footsteps barely audible as she slipped out to carry out her orders.
As the door closed behind her, Princess Qing Yue reclined in her seat, her fingers lightly tapping on the armrest. The evil smile tugged at her lips again, slow and sinister.
"She knows better than to fail me," Qing Yue muttered to herself, her voice a mix of satisfaction and cruelty. She tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling with dark amusement. "And soon… very soon, Li Mei will know her place."
Her laughter filled the room, soft but chilling, echoing as the shadows of the palace seemed to grow longer with the setting sun.